Posted on Oct 7, 2020
What is the difference in training and day-to-day duties for an 18D and 160th SOAR flight medic?
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I am a 68W currently and am trying to decide on what career path to pursue. I thought I wanted to be an 18D but recently heard about SOAR medics. Not sure which one to go for.
Combat Medic
Special Operations (SO)
Flight Medic
Medical
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 5
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Both will attend the Special Operations Combat Medic SOCM course. The 160th will also send you the the flight paramedic course as well. The 18D course adds some other medical but not paramedic specific courses. Both are accredited through SWC so they have to stay current in their ASI W1 skill set through recertification.
Biggest difference is that in the 160th you’re a flight medic, period. As an 18D you are a team medic, the admin/personnel guy, and you have a major portion in the MDMP process when you receive a mission. Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll get selected as an 18D. When I was selected in SFAS I was given the MOS 18E even though I was a medic with several medical certifications. When you pass selection you get the MOS the Regiment needs, not necessarily the one you want.
Biggest difference is that in the 160th you’re a flight medic, period. As an 18D you are a team medic, the admin/personnel guy, and you have a major portion in the MDMP process when you receive a mission. Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll get selected as an 18D. When I was selected in SFAS I was given the MOS 18E even though I was a medic with several medical certifications. When you pass selection you get the MOS the Regiment needs, not necessarily the one you want.
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SFC Michael D.
SOAR does not have Flight Medics. Ft. Campbell has a Medievac unit. When SOAR deploys Medivac sends a couple aircraft with them. If you want to be in SOAR. 18D. Flight Medics are assigned to Air Ambulance ubits and are 68W.
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CW2 (Join to see)
SFC Michael D. - That's incorrect. 68W is one of the MOS' SOAR specifically recruits for. They attend W1 SOCM at Ft Bragg as well the the Flight Medic course.
It is the only enlisted MOS that has a different SOAR packet from everyone else. Very selective, very competitive.
It is the only enlisted MOS that has a different SOAR packet from everyone else. Very selective, very competitive.
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SFC (Join to see)
CW2 (Join to see) it’s VERY competitive. I applied twice as a medic and even though I was a Ranger qualified, Airborne qualified E4, I was still rejected both times.
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You're at Carson, go to bldg 1042 on Oconnell Blvd. Ask for Will and Pat, they can talk about SF and SOAR.
Civil Affairs also has SOCM Medics as well
Civil Affairs also has SOCM Medics as well
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Special Forces medics treat people on the ground and in unusual places; training will be much more diverse. Flight medics stay with their bird and are generally at the paramedic level and less diverse. What are your career goals?
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SPC William Towne
I want to be able to help those who need it most. Not trying to sound hooah or like a hero. Not sure who does more medical or more admin like my current job.
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SFC Michael D.
SPC William Towne In my experience, the Medivac units I've been in. I never saw a Flight Medic will the rank less than an E5. I flew for eight years.
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